November 17 is the Great American Smokeout
November 8, 2022Every year, the Alaska Native Health Campus observes the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout – an event encouraging smokers to start their journey toward a smoke-free life.
ANTHC and the State of Alaska have resources available for quitting smoking, vaping and other tobacco product use. Contact the Alaska Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to learn more about free services for quitting tobacco, including over the phone and virtual consultation. You can also contact the ANTHC Tobacco Cessation program at (907) 729-4343.
Considerations for people using tobacco products:
- Smoking and vaping increase the risk for respiratory infections, and is a major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and diabetes.
- Smoking and vaping may lead to preexisting but undiagnosed lung conditions, that can make recovery from respiratory illnesses more difficult.
- The good news is that once you quit using tobacco products, your lungs and other organs can begin to heal themselves. There has never been a better time for smokers to quit and for individuals to protect their health by avoiding use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Since the 1970s, the American Cancer Society has inspired people to quit tobacco through the Great American Smokeout (GASO). Every year, GASO is celebrated on the third Thursday of November, which falls on Nov. 17 this year. Quitting tobacco whatever it may be, smoking, chew or iqmik is hard. For some, even thinking about quitting is far from the top of the priority list. Research has shown that 70% of people who smoke want to quit and that people who try to quit are more successful when they have support. Thousands of people across the country take part in GASO every year and the American Cancer Society provides the support and resources to help those who are ready to quit.
Click here for additional information on the Great American Smokeout.